How is glaucoma treated?

In this article here, esteemed senior consultant optometrist, Mr Sachin Patel, talks to us in expert detail with regards to glaucoma, including treatment for the eye condition and the various different types of glaucoma.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends visual information from your eye to your brain and is vital for good vision. Damage to the optic nerve is often related to high pressure in your eye. Glaucoma can occur at any age but is more common in older adults.

It is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is in its later stages. It's important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure. If glaucoma is detected early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you have glaucoma, you'll need treatment or monitoring for the rest of your life.

What are the different types of glaucoma?

There are several types of glaucoma, including primary open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type in the UK, where nine in 10 people with glaucoma have the open-angle type. Many people don’t have any symptoms until they start to lose their vision, and people may not notice vision loss right away.

Can glaucoma be prevented?

Primary open-angle glaucoma cannot be prevented, but early diagnosis of certain types can be prevented by appropriate treatment. Surgical interventions such as glaucoma surgery can prevent vision loss.

How is glaucoma treated?

Treatment aims at reducing the intraocular pressure and preventing further damage to the optic nerves. Intraocular pressure can be reduced by increasing the drainage of aqueous humour or reducing its production through medications. 

Surgical procedures for glaucoma include trabeculectomy, laser-assisted non-penetrating deep sclerectomy, glaucoma drainage implant surgery, laser trabeculoplasty, and canaloplasty. Peripheral iridotomy is used to treat closed-angle glaucoma by helping aqueous humour to flow from posterior to anterior chamber and also drain out. Foods that are rich in iron, vitamin A, protein, zinc, and vitamin C can help prevent glaucoma. Foods to avoid include those with trans fatty acids, high saturated fats, and caffeine. 

To schedule in an appointment with Mr Sachin Patel, simply visit his Top Doctors profile today.